If you want respect, learn to act

Back in 1984, "Breakin'" took the breakdancing craze off the street and put it onto the big screen. Over-the-top choreography barely overshadowed the amateur acting and undeveloped plot of the old-school cult classic. In this respect, "You Got Served" is a case of cinematic déjà vu.\n"Served" is what it is: a shot at being "Breakin'" 2004. Take out the fat laces, bucket hats, shell toes and the undeniable aesthetic of taking it to the linoleum; insert B2K, Backstreet Boys-esque dancing, bad dialogue and a staccato plot and "Served" is what's left. \nThe movie feels like an extended music video -- normally with acting remaining an accessory and the dancing shining over everything else. "Served" ignores this fundamental and weaves an overly dramatic plot between the intense, choppy dance battle scenes. The movie's opening battle at Mr. Rad's (Steve Harvey) warehouse, and later dance sequences, infuse a sense of competition and excitement. These moments are welcomed because they not only present impressive dance moves, but they also give viewers a break from the terrible dialogue. \nDavid (B2K's Omarion) and Elgin (Marques Houston) front the best crew in Los Angeles. Their reign at the top crumbles along with their friendship after losing $5,000 in a challenge from a rival Orange County crew, who's leader looks like a Sugar Ray reject. Further complicating their situation of recuperating their drop from the top, the two get into serious beef over Elgin dating David's little sister, Liyah (Jennifer Freeman), and a drug deal gone bad. Both start new crews, emphasized by a ridiculous montage of the two training in the rain, looking to win $50,000 at the climactic competition. With the winnings, they could pay for the lost drugs and regain their respect. During the final, the two lay down their guard to compete against the same O.C. crew in remembrance of the late Lil Saint (Malcom David Kelley), their young friend killed in a drive-by.\n"You Got Served" isn't only a show-off for hot dance moves and throwback jerseys, it's a shout out to the past and the intensity of street battles 20 years after "Breakin.'" Unfortunately, its nostalgia and commercial feel help it fall short of something exciting.